Residents of Nguutatu and Marimani villages in Kisauni Constituency are living in fear following what they claim is a gang of armed youth invading their land and putting up temporary structures.
Some of the youth who demolished the structures have been arrested, with affected residents accusing police officers of continuing to detain them unlawfully.
Police say investigations are ongoing and are urging families to record statements after reporting at Kiembeni Police Station.
Mwasambu Pole Mwakai claims more than 100 youth armed with machetes invaded his six-acre piece of land. The group allegedly demanded three acres and constructed temporary structures.
On reporting the matter at Kiembeni Police Station, he says he was advised to demolish them.
“Niliona vijana group kubwa sana ambao hawapungui 100 walitokeza huko chini wakiwa na mapanga… majirani wakakaribia tukawauliza ndio wakaelezea sisi tumekuja tuchukuwe hii shamba,” said Mwasambu.
Another resident, Jeffa Wilfred, says crops on his land were destroyed despite reporting the matter to police.
“Wamepita pale kwetu pia sasa kuna mahindi tulipanda tumepata yameng’olewa sasa sijui nitaenda wapi… tumewahi kwenda police station tukapeana ripoti tukapewa OB na hakuna kilichofanyika,” Jeffa said.
The gang is also accused of invading land belonging to the family of Mwambui Karisa, an inheritance he says he intended to subdivide among his six children. His sons were allegedly arrested after demolishing structures put up by the group.
After demolishing the structures, two of his sons were arrested three days ago and are still being held at Concordia Police Station, with three other people arrested this week over similar claims.
“Mpaka leo hii ninavyozungumza wako ndani hawajapelekwa kortini… mimi sina uwezo wa kwenda kumtoa… lanitia uchungu hata nikilifikiria lanitoa machozi,” Karisa added.
Another resident, Mbetsa Mlala, claims police officers failed to protect victims during the confrontations.
“Yule polisi alimshika mkono mtoto wangu yule mvamizi akamchapa na fimbo,” stated Mlala.
The alleged complicity of authorities has left residents in fear, with some accusing security agencies and local administrators of failing to act.
However, Kisauni Sub-County Police Commander Francis Muriithi says investigations are ongoing and has urged affected families to record statements at Kiembeni Police Station.
“Ukijaribu kujua shida imetokea wapi wanakuambia ukiinvolve serikali wewe hiyo shamba yote utaikosa hivyo ndio wanatuambia,” noted Wilfred.
